Donna Mae Reynolds, 83, St. Joseph Mo., passed away peacefully, at a local nursing home, on April 17, 2024.
Donna was born in Steele City, Nebraska, on June 14, 1940, Flag Day, to Wilbert and Myrtle (Graham) Applegarth. The family moved to Savannah Mo., where she attended school, became the basketball queen (in later years she would tease that she should have been a basketball player since she made a basket with every attempt) and graduated in 1957 from Savannah High School.
Donna retired from Missouri Iron and Metal after 50 years.
She was known for her gift of gab, bright smile, love of all things that sparkled, and her long, bright red fingernails – and we can't forget her joy and love of dancing. For many years you could find her cutting a rug at the Eagles Lodge and line dancing at the Buffalo Bar.
She was the best mom and grandma, always being the first to wake up and get everyone excited for Christmas, her favorite holiday. She adored Christmas lights, decorations, and all things Santa and snowmen. She loved Christmas so much that she left her Christmas tree up year-round, under protest from her granddaughter.
Before moving into the nursing home, Donna was very proud of her garden and flowers as well as taking care of the neighborhood cats. Her love for critters big and small was unwavering.
Donna loved to travel. She was adventurous and visited many states on the back of a motorcycle. Some of her proudest moments and favorite trips included visiting Ireland and Hawaii. In 2020, during Covid, she turned 80 years old. Her family rented an RV and embarked on a two-week journey through many National Parks, including the Grand Canyon. She said it was the best trip of all.
Donna was loved by many, becoming GMA to all her granddaughter's friends and always being a part of their schemes and shenanigans.
Life will not be the same without her, but we will keep her memory alive with her dutch mess and homemade noodles, and jamming to her favorite country tunes while cruising the backroads and joking about picking up all the soda pop cans in the county.
Donna is survived by daughter, Terri Heater; bonus son, Chuck Groce; and granddaughter (Donna's punkin'), Heather Heater (Travis Almond). She is preceded in death by both parents and her brother, Sam Applegarth.
"...When you get the choice to sit it out or dance. Dance... I hope you dance." - Lee Ann Womack
Graveside Farewell Services & Interment 1:00 P.M. Monday, Savannah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
